# DSP 10

> American missile launch warning satellite launched in 1982

**Wikidata**: [Q113172370](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113172370)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dsp-10

## Summary  
DSP 10 is an American early warning satellite launched in 1982 as part of the Defense Support Program (DSP). It was designed to detect ballistic missile launches using infrared sensors and operated by the United States Air Force. The satellite was placed in geostationary orbit and manufactured by TRW Inc.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** March 6, 1982, at 19:25 UTC  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Titan IIIC (serial number 23C-20)  
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40  
- **Mass:** 1,170 kg (launch weight)  
- **Operator:** United States Air Force  
- **Manufacturer:** TRW Inc.  
- **Orbit:** Geostationary  
- **Spacecraft Catalog Number (SCN):** 13086  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1982-019A  
- **Alternative Names:** DSPF10, DSP F10, DSP SVN-13, OPS 8701  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of DSP 10?  
A: DSP 10 was designed as an early warning satellite to detect ballistic missile launches using infrared sensors, providing critical defense capabilities for the United States.  

### Q: Who operated DSP 10?  
A: The satellite was operated by the United States Air Force as part of the Defense Support Program (DSP).  

### Q: What rocket launched DSP 10?  
A: DSP 10 was launched aboard a Titan IIIC rocket (serial number 23C-20) from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.  

## Why It Matters  
DSP 10 played a crucial role in the United States' missile defense strategy by providing early detection of ballistic missile launches. As part of the Defense Support Program, it contributed to global security during the Cold War era by monitoring potential threats in real time. Its geostationary orbit allowed for continuous surveillance of specific regions, enhancing the military's ability to respond to incoming threats. The satellite's infrared sensors were advanced for their time, setting a precedent for later early warning systems. DSP 10's success demonstrated the viability of space-based missile detection, influencing subsequent defense technologies.  

## Notable For  
- **Early Warning Capability:** One of the first satellites to provide real-time ballistic missile detection.  
- **Geostationary Orbit:** Enabled continuous monitoring of specific regions.  
- **Defense Support Program:** Part of a critical U.S. military initiative for missile defense.  
- **TRW Inc. Manufacturing:** Built by a leading aerospace and defense contractor.  
- **Titan IIIC Launch:** Utilized a powerful and reliable launch vehicle.  

## Notable For  
- Being part of the Defense Support Program, a key U.S. missile detection system.  
- Its geostationary orbit, enabling continuous monitoring of missile launches.  
- Advanced infrared sensor technology for early warning capabilities.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- **Launch Date:** March 6, 1982  
- **Launch Time:** 19:25 UTC  
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Titan IIIC (serial number 23C-20)  
- **Space Tug:** Transtage (serial number 3C-38)  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass:** 1,170 kg (launch weight)  
- **Orbit:** Geostationary  
- **Manufacturer:** TRW Inc.  
- **Operator:** United States Air Force  

### Mission Role  
- **Primary Function:** Early warning satellite for ballistic missile detection  
- **Program:** Defense Support Program (DSP)  
- **Detection Method:** Infrared sensors  

### Identifiers  
- **SCN:** 13086  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1982-019A  
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1982-019A  
- **Aliases:** DSPF10, DSP F10, DSP SVN-13, OPS 8701

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dsp-2mp.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report